I am an avid reader and nerd of mythology, but some have less spotlight shone on them in the literary world. One type that falls under this category is Breton mythology, from the region of Bretagne (Brittany) in France. With major Celtic influence, this is one of the lesser-known cultures of that area, because it is not based in a Celtic country, but rather a region within a larger Anglo-Saxon one.
I myself am particularly obsessed with this mythos because I have Breton heritage. My father comes from Bretagne, and my family has lived there as far back as I can trace. Therefore, I hunt for books that include the culture and folklore of that region. As an avid reader of YA, I have found almost nothing with this particular folklore. Until August 2023.
I had been following the author Ava Reid for a while, intrigued by her dark academia aesthetic. One day, she posted a blurb for her debut YA novel launching in November, and mentioned Breton mythology. Instantly, I pre-ordered the book, intrigued by the premise.
A Study in Drowning is a dark academia novel focused on Breton/Welsh folklore, enemies-to-lovers romance, authorship, and gender roles. It centers around Effy Sayre, an architecture student who dreams of attending the college of literature despite her gender. She is roped into a contest to design the home of her favorite author, and quickly realizes nefarious things abound. She butts heads with Preston, a student at the college of literature who bashes her favorite author. She must team up with him to find out who the true author is, and why she is seeing the Fairy King, a creature from the legends she grew up hearing.
This novel explores many topics, but it is extremely well done. My only gripe would be that there is less Breton mythology/culture than I hoped and that the romance felt rushed because it was not given time to form the love/hate dynamics.
The writing is beautiful. It reads like lyrical prose, and the imagery is stunning. There are particular lines that stand out to me and I think of them on the daily.
The exploration of authorship, especially involving women, is fantastic. It brings up questions on stolen work, and who truly owns a story. Effy also undergoes immense growth, becoming someone stronger and more confident in herself. She is one of the best-developed characters.
Preston, the love interest, falls a little flat in terms of having more depth in his personality. Yet, he is a healthy example of a good partner and he also undergoes growth and maturity in the work.
Finally, one touch I love is that Ava Reid incorporates Breton proverbs in the novel. I got extremely emotional seeing words in a language I am familiar with printed on paper.
I have probably read A Study in Drowning ten different times in the last year. It is one of my favorite books ever, which is not something I often say.
Even better, there is a sequel coming out in 2025!
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